• A veteran is a man who fell in love with his country, for better, or worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health.

• A veteran is a man who is willing to lay down his life for the Statue of Liberty so that her poor, her huddled masses, her homeless, her tempest-tossed may breathe free and may enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• A veteran is as a man who does what he must -- in spite of personal consequences — in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures — for that is the basis of all human morality.

• A veteran is a man who gets a lump in his throat when he sees our beloved flag, and he'll fight to protect our beautiful bunting from those who would dare to dishonor it.

• A veteran is a man who pays his taxes, willingly; serves his country, honorably; and cherishes his freedom, passionately.

• A veteran is a man well-deserving of our appreciation, our love, and our prayers 365 days a year.

- Author Unknown

########

STORY OF THE RED POPPIES FOR VETERANS DAY

Today, November 11, United States citizens honor all U.S. service-members with Veterans Day.

In other areas of the world, the day is known as Remembrance Day, a day set aside to remember military personnel who have lost their lives in war.

Remembrance Day was established by King George V in 1919. It evolved out of Armistice Day, which marked the end of hostilities in 1918 at the end of WWI. It was after WWII that the day was renamed “Remembrance Day,”

After the Korean War, the United States revised its November 11th celebration to honor ALL United States veterans, living and dead. As someone has said, “Loyalty is not a word; it’s a lifestyle.”

In conjunction with the spirit of “Remembrance Day” worldwide, many wear a simple red poppy on the lapel. This is reminiscent of the red poppies that were among the first plants to bloom in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium.

The connection with the poppy and the fallen soldier was solidified with one of the era’s most famous poems, “In Flanders Field”. It was written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He was inspired to write the poem after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier.

The poem is a written to give a voice to those soldiers buried in the battlefield. They plead with survivors to take up the torch of the fight, and to remember them, even though red poppies now cover the battlefield. The poem has been translated into many languages and published around the world.

IN FLANDERS FIELD

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Shorts days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Today the red poppy remains a popular outward sign of remembrance in November.

########

Billy Graham once said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.”

“Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared to death.” - General Omar Bradley

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” - Helen Keller

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” - Nelson Mandela

“The best thing you have to give is yourself.” - Norman Vincent Peale

########

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you, Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT

**************************************************************************************************************

If you have a story that you think might bless others, I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

**************************************************************************************************************